Murray B. Spicer Sr., 88

DOVER - Murray B. Spicer Sr. of Dover died Monday, Jan. 15, 2007, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, surrounded by his loving family. He was 88.

Mr. Spicer was born June 11, 1918, in Stafford County, Va. to Murray B. and Nellie Raines Spicer.

He was married to Betty Jean Nichols Spicer for 57 years.

Mr. Spicer moved to Dover with his family in 1968, coming from Kabul, Afghanistan.

He served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and the U.S. Air Force, enlisting on Pearl Harbor Day. He was a highly decorated veteran, flying more than 73 missions in World War II, also serving in the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Senior Master Sgt. Spicer received numerous medals, awards and commendations, including the distinguished Joint Service Commendation Medal while assigned to JUSMAT in Ankara, Turkey. He retired after 33 years of dedicated service to his country.

After retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Spicer opened a jewelry store, Spicer's Jewelers in Rodney Village, which he operated for a number of years until retiring because of his health.

He is survived by his wife, Jean of Dover; a son, Murray Spicer Jr. of Dover; three daughters and three sons-in-law, Spring and Mike Kapper and Raine and Frank Tucker, all of Milford and Gay Nell and Douglas Young of Felton; his grandchildren, Doug Young and his wife, Emerald, Heather Young, Emma Kate Young, Steven Kapper, Joy Tucker and Glory Tucker.

Celebration of life services will be noon Saturday in Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road, Dover, where friends may call one hour earlier.

Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.

Letters of condolence may be sent and register book signed at torbertfuneral.com.